A Space for the Unbound Review (Jr.Junkie)
A Space for the Unbound isn't a game, it's a punch to the gut wrapped in a love letter. The world's ending, sure, the sky cracks like a broken egg, but that's just the backdrop. This is about the people you love, the ones whose anxieties leak onto the very streets you walk.
You play as Atma, a high school senior with a gift (or maybe a curse) – you can dive into people's minds. But these aren't thrill rides, they're spelunking expeditions into the darkest corners of their souls. You'll face down the demons of your childhood sweetheart, Raya, the self-doubt gnawing at your best friend, each dive a raw and emotional journey that left me blinking back tears more times than I care to admit.
The characters feel like people you grew up with. You see their flaws, their vulnerabilities, and you desperately want to reach in and pull them out of the darkness. The writing is honest, unflinching, and it will unearth some of your own buried emotions. Be prepared to laugh, cry, yell at the screen (because seriously, some of these characters make terrible decisions!), but ultimately, feel a profound sense of connection.
Indonesia, bathed in the golden hues of nostalgia, becomes another character. The pixel art is a love song to a fading world, the soundtrack a melancholic symphony that lingers long after you put down the controller. It's a world on the brink, but the beauty shines through the cracks, reminding you of the things worth fighting for.
The gameplay itself might not win awards, the puzzles can be a bit repetitive, the combat a tad clunky. But that's not the point. A Space for the Unbound is about the emotional journey. It's about the desperate hope you cling to as you try to save your friends, their laughter and tears echoing in your mind long after the credits roll. Don't forget the cats. Petting them becomes a desperate act of normalcy, a tiny beacon of comfort in a world teetering on the edge.
Look, this game isn't perfect. It's slow at times, frustrating at others. But the emotional impact? That's a different story. It's a game that will leave you raw, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within you. It's a reminder of the power of friendship, the bittersweet beauty of letting go, and the enduring hope that even in the face of oblivion, love and compassion can mend the broken pieces of our world, both inside and out.
# Rating 9/10
This isn't just a game, it's an experience. It'll break your heart, mend it with laughter, and leave you a changed person. Just keep some tissues handy, maybe a friend to hold onto when the world starts to crumble, and get ready for a journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.